Reflecting on the past year, 2024 has been a pivotal period for EpiGuard, marked by significant strides in integrating the EpiShuttle into preparedness systems worldwide and advancing our training and education initiatives.

Here’s a closer look at our key milestones:

National systems integration 

Fostering global preparedness through knowledge creation, interoperability, and quality care remained central to our mission. In 2024, we supported several countries in advancing towards national-level integration of the EpiShuttle into their emergency systems.

2024 was the year of France taking a leap forward in doing just that, by acquiring its first EpiShuttles and executing a thorough plan of implementation, knowledge building and systemic coordination. Coordinated by the Ministry of Health and the French national network for operational coordination of epidemic and biological risk (Mission Nationale COREB), France has operationalised its EpiShuttles across national reference hospitals and developed an extensive training program.

In the United Kingdom, where the EpiShuttle is already a key component of their CBRN risk mitigation framework, preparedness remains an ongoing effort. Their national ambulance teams, together with their National Ambulance Resilience Unit (NARU) and Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART), are continuously at work training and building capacity to prepare for the next emergency. This year, EpiGuard delivered yet another specialized training for these teams, complementing NARU’s robust internal exercises and preparedness activities.

EpiTraining success 

More and more users are choosing EpiTraining to support their EpiShuttle implementation and system preparedness plans. This year, our expert instructors conducted sessions across France, Finland, Sweden, Canada, and the UK, empowering over 100 professionals with the skills needed to implement the EpiShuttle and build in-house expertise. 

This year also saw the culmination of months of review and refinement of our training portfolio. In November, we proudly launched Train the Trainer 2.0, an updated version designed to enhance in-house competence building by incorporating the latest insights and best practices from the field. 

New horizons

While we have consolidated our presence in several markets, in others we have just started sowing the first seeds for enhanced preparedness. We have recently marked a new start in Japan by partnering up with Normeca Asia and Jupitor Corporation. They will be our representatives in the region, and we are looking forward to collaborating with them to bring innovation in patient isolation transport in Japan!

Advancing international interoperability

The EpiShuttle continues to be a vital tool for fostering interoperability across sectors and borders. In 2023, the European Union selected the EpiShuttle as part of its stockpile for CBRN preparedness. Building on this recognition, 2024 further showcased its role in international collaborative efforts in the region.

One notable achievement was a cross-border infection control exercise held in March, involving Germany, Norway, and Ireland. This exercise trained healthcare teams on the intra-European transport of highly infectious patients, reinforcing the EpiShuttle’s value in strengthening international responses.

As we close the chapter on 2024, we are inspired by the progress we’ve achieved and the partnerships we’ve strengthened. Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to advancing preparedness, supporting our users, and driving innovation in patient isolation and transport.

Thank you for being part of this journey!